Qualitative data analysis assignment – Possible Structure

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From the Handbook:
Coursework takes the form of an assignment (5,000 words in total) detailing the process of undertaking a piece of qualitative analysis on some self-collected or self-sourced data. It could involve analysis of written, audio or visual text (or combinations thereof). The analysis will be backed by a suitable rationale, a discussion of the other forms of qualitative analysis considered but not chosen, an introduction to the selected form of analysis and a detailed outline of the process followed. A very short introduction to the research topic and data collection methods used is appropriate as is a short summary of the research findings. The discussion and/or conclusion section of the assignment should be a critical reflection on qualitative analysis – considering the choice of analytical approach taken (the advantages and limitations experienced when using this), your own positioning within this process and any further learning points you have taken from the exercise of doing a piece of qualitative analysis.

Qualitative data analysis assignment – Possible Structure

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If you choose to analyse data that has previously been granted ethical approval in relation to your dissertation research, you will not need to submit a claim for further ethical approval. If you are proposing to collect and analyse new data it is imperative that you seek and gain ethical approval by completing an ethics form and submitting this to the module leader in the first instance. Your signed ethics form should be submitted as an appendix to both your draft and your final QDA assignment (this will consist of the pre-existing ethics form in the case of those students who have chosen to analyse data that has been gathered as part of their dissertation research).

Qualitative data analysis assignment – Possible Structure

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Please find below one possible structure you might want to use to develop the shape of your own assignment. This is guidance only – to remind you of some of the key issues the markers will be looking for within the essay:

Introduction – outlining the purpose of the assignment, what your main argument(s) will be and the structure of the essay.
·   Research question and brief background to the research question
·   Remember to add any key references
·   Theoretical and epistemological positioning of the research
·   How is your interest in this topic informed by theories or concepts in the broader ‘theoretical field’.
·   Will you be employing or subjecting to critical scrutiny any key theories, concepts or debates that are relevant to your research aims?
·   Is your research underpinned by an identifiable epistemological and ontological position?

Qualitative data analysis assignment – Possible Structure

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·   Introduction to the qualitative analysis approach to be taken (remember to add references)
·   Background to analytical approach
·   Is it used by others in the field?
·   Issues to take into consideration when using this approach
·   The analytical process – take the reader step-by-step through the process (additional material could be included in an Appendix but making the process you followed transparent is what the focus of the assignment is, so much of the detail should be within the main part of the essay!)
·   Brief outline of some of the emerging findings.
·   Reflections on the process (remember to add references) – this should take up about a fifth of the word count!